Overview

Everybody can have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, listening or waiting. However, for some children and adults, the problems are more than usual which interfere with every aspect of their life.

Today, we would be learning about ADHD from ClinicalPsychologist – M. Shahroz Ghauri and find out how we can manage people with this condition.

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting mostly children and adults as well. People with ADHD have a different brain structure that affects attention, listening and following directions, the ability to sit still and self-control.

ADHD is considered an invisible disorder. It is difficult to identify and treat the condition as it impacts every aspect of a child's life: behaviour, academics, self-esteem, motivation and social.

There are three types of ADHD:

1.    Hyperactive: Associated with a high degree of impulsivity;

2.    Inattentive: Inability to devote sustained focus on a given task;

3.    Combined: Consists of symptoms from each of the two groups.

ADHD can have varying degrees according to the severity such as mild, moderate or severe. Moreover, ADHD is usually common in boys than in girls and the display of behaviours can be very contrasting in both. For example, boys tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive while girls may tend to be quietly inattentive.

Myths & Misconceptions

1.    ADHD is not considered a real medical disorder in Pakistan. However, The NationalInstitutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Psychiatric Association, all consider ADHD as a medical condition.

2.    Everyone gets distracted but people with attention deficit get distracted more frequently with consequences. They have short-term memory loss and find it challenging to track time.

3.    Children are hyperactive, but not all kids with ADHD have hyperactivity as a symptom.

4.    People with ADHD struggle to maintain focus. In reality, they can focus, but for short periods of time.

5.    Children can outgrow ADHD. As they grow older, the symptoms of ADHD become milder over a period of time. Nevertheless, inattentiveness and impulsivity remain the same.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms are usually noticeable below the age of 12 and can occur in more than one situation, such as at home and at school.M. Shahroz explains, “Children with ADHD receive complaints such as they are hyperactive and intelligent, but they do not pay attention”. 

ADHD can be categorized into two types:

1.   Inattentiveness: easily distracted, careless mistakes, forgetful, short attention span;

2.    Hyperactivity and impulsiveness: unable to sit still, constant fidgeting, less concentration, talkative, acting without thinking.

Related Conditions

1.    Depression: ADHD also increases the chance of developing depression and mood disorders such as anxiety. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose ADHD as the symptoms of depression overlap with the symptoms of ADHD. M. Shahroz suggests consulting a psychologist or a Psychiatrist in this case, who can pinpoint the cause of the symptoms.

2.    ConductDisorder: This often involves misbehaviour and tendency towards disruptive behaviour marked by resisting rules, defying authority, and demonstrating physical aggression such as fighting and harming people or animals.

3.    AnxietyDisorder: It causes excessive nervousness and the symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating and dizziness.

Causes

As per current research, genetics plays an important role in the cause of ADHD. M. Shahroz also says, “The main cause of ADHD is genetic”.Other causes can be premature birth, environmental or problems with the central nervous system during the development of a child.

Treatment & Management

There is no cure for ADHD. Nonetheless, the right treatment plan can help improve and manage it. The treatment usually depends on the severity of the condition. It is a combination of medicines, behaviour therapy and parents counselling. Other therapies which can be helpful might be occupational and speech therapy.

ADHD can be managed with a healthy lifestyle such as eating healthy food, cutting down sugar, getting enough sleep and exercise, limiting screen time, practising mindfulness, breathing exercises and having supportive parents and teachers who know how to respond to ADHD.

CONCLUSION

ADHD if not diagnosed or treated can have a severe impact on one’s life. Though diagnosing ADHD can be tricky, a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist should be contacted who can help to treat and manage the symptoms of ADHD.

Call now on 021-3713 2273 to talk to Clinical Psychologist – M. Shahroz Ghauri or book an appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist through the Shifaam Health App.

Download the Shifaam App now from Google Play(bit.ly/2JqZo3C) or the iOS App Store (apple.co/2QUVxQz) and connect with your healthcare provider safely from home.